Anti-fracture expansion device

ABSTRACT

Methods are devices are provided for preventing fracture of a fluid-filled chamber or tank. In general an anti-fracture expansion device can be disposed internally within a fluid-filled chamber such that during a freeze event displaced fluid can compress or flow into the anti-fracture expansion device, thereby reducing the likelihood that the chamber will rupture. The internal disposition of the expansion device prevents it from interfering with other components that may be connected to or adjacent to the fluid chamber, thereby conserving space. In certain embodiments, the expansion device can have a dual function wherein it can act as a flow control valve in addition to functioning as an anti-fracture expansion device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/334,521filed Oct. 26, 2016, entitled “Anti-Fracture Expansion Device,” which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an internal dynamic freezedevice for preventing cracking of a fluid-filled chamber.

BACKGROUND

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (“DEF”) helps meet EPA 2010 NOx emissionsstandards. Most large diesel engine vehicles manufactured since 2010utilize Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) requiring DEF injected intothe exhaust stream to reduce NOx emissions in the engine's exhaust.Unlike diesel fuel, DEF freezes at approximately 12° Fahrenheit. WhenDEF freezes, it can expand up to 7%. When disposed within a container ortank, such as a flow meter, expansion of the DEF can result insignificant damage.

Freeze plugs or expansion plugs are often used in the engine block of acar to prevent damage when water or coolant freezes. A freeze plug is around plug that is pressed into a hole formed in the engine block and itis designed to “pop out” to allow for expansion of the water uponfreezing. However, there are several problems with current freeze plugs:they can introduce additional leak points, and they often fail to “popout.” Additionally, traditional freeze plugs are not designed for usewhen the system is in operation. Therefore, once a freeze plug has“popped out,” the system must receive maintenance before it can beplaced back in service. For these reasons, it is not practical orreasonable to use a traditional freeze plug in a fuel dispenser.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and devices forpreventing cracking of a fluid-filled chamber.

SUMMARY

Methods and devices are provided for preventing cracking of afluid-filled chamber. In one embodiment, an anti-fracture expansiondevice is provided that includes a cap having external threadsconfigured to mate with threads formed within a bore in a housing. Acuff is disposed within the cap and is freely rotatable relative to thecap. The device also includes a piston having a proximal end slidablydisposed within the cuff and extending distally from the cuff. Thepiston is configured such that, when the cap is threadably mated to abore in a sealed fluid-filled housing, the piston slides relative to thecuff and cap when a pressure within the fluid-filled housing increasesto thereby expand a volume of the fluid-filled chamber.

The device can have any number of additional features and/or variations.For example, the proximal end of the piston can include a stabilizingsleeve that is slidably disposed within the cuff. The stabilizing sleeveand the cuff can define a chamber therebetween, such as a sealedchamber. An external surface of the stabilizing sleeve can be in asealing engagement within an internal surface of the cuff

As another example, the piston can include a sleeve having at least oneopening formed therein for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. Thesleeve can be slidably disposed around an elongate shaft having a distalend with at least one fluid inlet port, an inner lumen extendingtherethrough, and a proximal end with at least fluid outlet port that isaligned with the at least one opening formed in the sleeve such thatfluid can flow through the elongate shaft and exit from the proximalend.

As yet another example, the device can include a bearing assemblydisposed between the cuff and the cap for allowing rotation of the cuffrelative to the cap. The device an also include a spring that biases thepiston away from the cap. Furthermore, the device can include afluid-filled housing having a bore formed therein and having threadsformed within the bore that mate with the threads on the cap. The pistoncan be disposed within the housing when the cap is threadably disposedwithin the bore.

In another embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided that includes ahydraulics cabinet having fuel dispensing components disposed therein,an electronics housing having electronics configured to process paymentfor fuel dispensed by the fuel dispensing components, and at least onedynamic anti-fracture device disposed internally within a fluid-filledchamber of the fuel dispenser. The dynamic anti-fracture device can beconfigured to allow a volume of the fluid-filled chamber to increasewhen a pressure of the fluid within the fluid-filled chamber exceeds apredetermined threshold pressure.

The fuel dispenser can have any number of additional variations orfeatures. For example, the fluid-filled chamber can include a fluidinlet and a fluid outlet, and the dynamic anti-fracture device can beconfigured to control fluid flow through one of the fluid inlet and thefluid outlet. As another example, the dynamic anti-fracture device canmaintain a check valve disposed within a fluid inlet of the fluid-filledchamber in an open position for allowing fluid to flow into thefluid-filled chamber. In other aspects, the dynamic anti-fracture devicecan include a compressible ball seated within an opening of thefluid-filled chamber. The ball can be configured to compress when thepressure of the fluid within the fluid-filled chamber exceeds thepredetermined threshold pressure. Additionally, the ball can beconfigured to control a flow of fluid through the opening when thepressure of the fluid is less than the predetermined threshold pressure.

In other embodiments, the dynamic anti-fracture device can include a capassembly having a piston slidably coupled thereto and disposed withinthe fluid-filled chamber. The piston can be configured to slide relativeto the cap when the pressure of the fluid within the fluid-filledchamber exceeds the predetermined threshold pressure. Additionally, thepiston can be slidably disposed on an elongate shaft. A filter can bedisposed around the shaft for filtering fluid flowing through thefluid-filled chamber.

In another embodiment, a dynamic anti-fracture device and valve assemblyis provided and includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and aninner chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. Ananti-fracture device is at least partially disposed within the innerchamber and is configured to control fluid flow through the inlet of thehousing and to increase a volume of the inner chamber when a pressurewithin the inner chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure.

The device can have any number of additional variations or features. Asan example, the inlet can include a valve seat, and the anti-fracturedevice can include a spherical ball valve seated within the valve seatand be configured to control fluid flow therethrough. The spherical ballcan be configured to compress when a pressure is applied thereto thatexceeds the predetermined threshold pressure. As another example, theinlet can include a check valve, and the anti-fracture device caninclude a piston assembly having an elongate shaft that maintains thecheck valve in an open configuration when the anti-fracture device is atleast partially disposed within the inner chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a side view of one embodiment of an anti-fracture expansiondevice;

FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the anti-fracture expansiondevice of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side cross-sectional the anti-fracture expansion device ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of another embodiment of ananti-fracture expansion device;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the anti-fracture expansion device ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a fueldispenser;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the fuel dispenser of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the fuel dispenser of FIG. 3Awith an open hydraulics cabinet;

FIG. 4B is a front view of a portion of the hydraulics cabinet of FIG.4A showing two different embodiments of filtering/metering systems whereanti-fracture expansion devices can be located;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the leftmost filtering and meteringsystem of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the filtering and meteringsystem of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of an anti-fracture expansion device of thefiltering and metering system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the rightmost filtering andmetering system of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 6B is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the filtering andmetering system of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 7. is a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle of FIG. 4A havingthe anti-fracture expansion device therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosedherein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that thesystems, devices, and methods specifically described herein andillustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplaryembodiments and that the scope of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of theembodiments generally have similar features, and thus within aparticular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is notnecessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent thatlinear or circular dimensions are used in the description of thedisclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are notintended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunctionwith such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the artwill recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensionscan easily be determined for any geometric shape.

Various exemplary methods are devices are provided for preventingfracture of a fluid-filled chamber or tank. The devices are referred toas anti-fracture expansion devices. In general an anti-fractureexpansion device can be disposed internally within a fluid-filledchamber such that during a freeze event displaced fluid can compress orflow into the anti-fracture expansion device, thereby reducing thelikelihood that the chamber will rupture. The internal disposition ofthe expansion device prevents it from interfering with other componentsthat may be connected to or adjacent to the fluid chamber, therebyconserving space. In certain embodiments, the expansion device can havea dual function wherein it can act as a flow control valve in additionto functioning as an anti-fracture expansion device.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one embodiment of an anti-fracture expansiondevice 10 that includes a piston assembly 40 that is slidably disposedwithin a cylinder or cuff 30 so as to accommodate displaced fluid duringa freeze event. The illustrated anti-fracture expansion device 10 canalso include a cap 20 that is coupled to the cuff 30, and that includesthreads 22 on an external surface thereof for threadably mating withthreads formed in a bore of a fluid-filled housing. The illustratedpiston assembly 40 includes a piston 42 and a centering sleeve 44extending from the piston 42, however a person skilled in the art willappreciate that the sleeve 44 is optional and other centering techniquescan be provided.

The cap 20 can have a variety of configurations, but in general is inthe form of a hollow cylindrical housing with a sealed proximal end 20p. As noted above, the cap 20 includes external threads 22 for matingwith a threaded bore in a fluid-filled housing, and a cavity 24 forreceiving the cuff 30. An inner protrusion 26 is configured to mate,e.g., via friction, with an internal lumen 52 of a bearing 50 that isseated within the cavity 24 of the cuff 20. The bearing 50 allows thecap 20 to rotate independent of the cuff 30, while still fixing the cuff30 to the cap 20.

The piston assembly 40 can have a variety of configurations, but ingeneral has a cylindrical piston head 42 with a central opening 43extending therethrough. The central opening 43 is configured to receivean inner shaft 32 of the cuff 30. Internal sealing elements 46 can bedisposed therein to form a seal between the central opening 43 of thepiston head 42 and the inner shaft 32 of the cuff 30. External sealingelements 48 can also be provided around the piston head 42 to form aseal between the outer-facing surface of the piston head 42 and theinside of the cuff 30. A sleeve 44 can extend distally from the pistonhead 42. The sleeve 44, if provided, can facilitate alignment of thepiston assembly 40, as will be discussed in more detail below. In otherembodiments, the cuff 30 may not have an inner shaft 32, and the pistonhead 42 may not have a central opening 43. In that event, the pistonhead 42 would need to be configured such that it would remainlongitudinally aligned during sliding movement within the cuff 30.

As best shown in FIG. 1B, the cuff 30 is generally cylindrical and has acylindrical cavity 34 formed therein for receiving the piston head 42.The cavity 34 is open at the distal end 30 d and closed at the proximalend 30 p. As shown in FIG. 1C, the proximal end 30 p can include arecess or cavity 36 that is configured to receive the protrusion 26formed within the cap 20. A bearing assembly 50 can be disposedtherebetween for allowing free rotation of the cap 20 relative to thecuff 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing assembly 50 is a radialball bearing having inner and outer bearing races 51 a, 51 b with balls52 therebetween such that the inner and outer bearing races 51 a, 51 bcan rotate independently. The outer-facing surface of the outer bearingrace 51 b can form a friction fit within the cavity 34 at the proximalend 30 p of the cuff 30. The inner-facing surface of the inner bearingrace 51 a can similarly form a friction fit with the protrusion 26within the cap 20, thus mating the two components. The bearing assembly50 thus allows the cap to be rotated to threadably mate with a housingwithout causing corresponding rotation of the cuff 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the cuff 30 can also include an inner shaft32 formed therein for slidably receiving the piston assembly 40therearound, as will be discussed in more detail below. A number ofexternal sealing rings 36, e.g., o-ring(s), can be disposed around thecuff 30 to form a seal between the cuff 30 and the fluid-filled housing.Additional sealing rings can be provided to form a seal between the cuff30 and other components as may be needed.

A biasing element (not shown) can be disposed between the piston head 42and the cuff 30, and it can be configured to bias the piston 40 awayfrom the cuff 30 and into a distal position during normal operation. Incertain embodiments, the biasing element can be a spring (orequivalent), or alternatively/additionally the assembled device may forma sealed air-tight volume between the piston head 42 and the cuff 30, inwhich case the air pressure within the assembly would act as a biasingelement. If a spring (or equivalent) is used, then the piston head 42and cuff 30 can form a pressurized volume, but they do not need to,e.g., the cuff could vent to atmosphere. The pressure exerted on thepiston head 42 by the biasing element may be varied or selected based onfluid pressure variances which may occur during normal operatingconditions. Regardless of the configuration of the biasing element, itshould apply a force to the piston head 42 that is sufficient to preventmovement of the piston 40 during normal operating conditions, but thatallows movement of the piston 40, and thus expansion of the chambervolume, during a freeze event. In certain exemplary embodiments, thebiasing element provides a pressure in the range of 200 to 300 psi.

When fully assembled, the piston 40 and cuff 30 are fully inserted intoa fluid filled housing, and the threaded cap 20 is threaded into a borein the housing to seal the housing. During normal operation, the piston40 will remain in a distal position within the cuff 30, as shown in FIG.1C, either due to the spring-bias or the pressure within the cuff. Theforce that maintains the piston 40 in the distal position can bedesigned to be greater than the normal operating pressure of the fluidwithin the fluid-filled housing to accommodate possible pressurefluctuations.

During a freeze event, fluid within the housing will increase thepressure within the chamber. As the pressure increases and eventuallyexceeds the force that maintains the piston in the distal position, itwill force the piston 40 to move proximally into the cuff 30, therebyexpanding the chamber volume and relieving pressure within the housing,thus preventing cracking or other damage to the housing. When the fluidbegins to thaw, the fluid pressure on the piston 40 will decrease, andthe biasing element can move the piston 40 in the distal direction backto its initial position.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict another embodiment of an anti-fracture expansiondevice 100. In this embodiment, the device 100 includes a compressiblebody 110 and a seating element 120 having an opening 122 that seats thebody 110. As shown, the compressible body 110 has a generally sphericalconfiguration such that it is configured to sit within a circularopening 122 in the seating element 120. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the geometry of the compressible body 110 is not limitedto a sphere as illustrated, and any number of geometries that suit theflow/storage system, and that allow for compression, can be used.

The compressible body 110 can be any shape, e.g. spherical, donut, etc.,and can be formed from any material that is suitable for the desiredgeometry and that allows for compression under the desired conditions.For example, the body 110 can be configured as a hollow rubber shellfilled with a gas, or it can be made from closed-cell foam or any othersimilar material. For long-term use, the compressible body 110 should beformed from an elastic material. It is envisioned that there may beconditions where a single use or short-term use compressible body may besuitable, in which case a compressible inelastic body can be used.

In certain circumstances, the compressible body 110 can be coated toprevent corrosion and wear. If the compressible body 110 is made from amaterial that will release a gas during compression, the coating canserve to prevent gas from being released, though it is expected that anygas that might be released would be minimal.

The internal pressure and/or the composition of the compressible body110 can be selected based on fluid pressure ranges which may occurduring normal operating conditions. During normal operation, thecompressible body 110 will compress very little. During a freeze event,pressure within the chamber will increase as the fluid freezes. As thepressure increases, the compressible body 110 will compress therebyexpanding the chamber volume and relieving pressure within the housing.When the frozen fluid begins to thaw, the fluid pressure on thecompressible body 110 will decrease, and the compressible body 110 willback to its initial configuration.

The seating element 120 can function to secure the compressible body 110in the desired position within the chamber. In the illustratedembodiment, the seating element 120 is in the form of a ring-shapedmember having a circular opening 122 formed therein and configured toseat the compressible body 110. The geometry, design, materials, etc.used for the seating element 120 can be based on factors associated withchamber environment. For example, the seating element 120 can bedesigned to limit motion of the compressible body 110 to a givenspecification, and it should be made out of a material that canwithstand the fluid-filled chamber environment. The seating element 120can also be a biasing element, as will be described below. As will beappreciated by a person skilled in the art, the seating element 120 canbe an independent and removable component, or it can be an integral partof the chamber.

While the anti-fracture expansion devices disclosed herein can be usedin numerous applications, including automotives, home and industrialheating and cooling systems, etc., in an exemplary embodiment, thedevices are used in a fuel dispenser. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate oneembodiment of a fuel dispenser 200. The fuel dispenser 200 generallyincludes an electronics compartment 210 and a pump compartment 220. Theelectronics compartment 210 houses electronics for facilitating paymentfor fuel and for facilitating the dispensing of the fuel. Theelectronics include, for example, a fuel controller configured tocontrol dispensing of the fuel from the pump compartment, acommunication unit configured to transmit and receive wired and/orwireless communications, a display 212 configured to show information(e.g., media content, payment information, etc.) thereon, a memoryconfigured to store data therein, and a payment terminal (e.g., a cardreader, etc.) configured to process customer payment. Only the display212 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Similar components can be located onthe other side of the electronics compartment 210.

The pump compartment 220 houses a pump configured to pump fuel from afuel tank or other reservoir and has therein a fuel meter configured tomonitor fuel flow. The pump compartment 220 can include other componentsto facilitate fuel dispensing, such as valves, a strainer/filteringsystem, a vapor recovery system, etc. The pump compartment 220 isisolated from the electronics compartment 210 within the fuel dispenser200 to facilitate safety, security, and/or maintenance, as will beappreciated by a person skilled in the art. Fuel is thus not allowed toflow from the pump compartment 220 to the electronics compartment 220.

The fuel dispenser 200 is configured to be connected to the fuel tank orother reservoir containing fuel. When filling up the tank of a motorvehicle, the fuel is pumped from the tank or reservoir by the pumplocated in the pump compartment 220 and ultimately to a nozzle 216 via afuel pipe (not shown) and a fuel hose 214. When each fuel hose 214 isnot in use, the fuel hose 214 hangs along the fuel dispenser 200, andits associated nozzle 216 is seated in a nozzle boot 218. Theillustrated fuel dispenser 200 is configured to have two hoses 214 andtwo nozzles 216 on one side of the dispenser 200 and two hoses 214 andtwo nozzles 216 on the other side of the dispenser 200, but as will beappreciated by a person skilled in the art, the fuel dispenser 200 caninclude any number of hoses and nozzles. A person skilled in the artwill also appreciate that the fuel dispenser can have various otherconfigurations.

The anti-fracture expansion devices disclosed herein can be employed ina number of different locations within a fuel dispenser. FIG. 4Aillustrates the fuel dispenser 200 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing some ofthe internal components of the pump compartment 220. In one embodiment,an expansion device can be located in a meter assembly. FIG. 4Aillustrates one embodiment of a metering assembly 300 disposed withinthe pump compartment, and FIG. 4B illustrates the metering assembly 300of FIG. 4A, as well as an additional embodiment of a metering assembly400. In another embodiment, as further shown in FIG. 4A, an expansiondevice can be disposed within a nozzle 216 of the fuel dispenser 200. Aperson skilled in the art will appreciate that the anti-fractureexpansion devices disclosed herein can be incorporated into any meterassembly known in the art, or into any fluid-filled location within afuel dispenser that is susceptible to damage due to a freeze event.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an embodiment of an anti-fracture expansiondevice employed in a filtering and metering assembly 300 shown in FIG.4B. The expansion device is identical to the device 10 discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, however in this embodiment the device 10′includes a fluid delivery shaft 60 and a valve assembly 70 located atthe distal end of the shaft.

As best shown in FIG. 5C, the fluid delivery shaft 60 is in the form ofan elongate hollow shaft having a proximal end 60 p with a threadedprotrusion 62 extending proximally therefrom for mating with threadsformed within the inner shaft 32 of the cuff 30, which is disposedwithin the central opening 43 of the piston head 42, thereby fixing theposition of the fluid delivery shaft 60 relative to the cuff 30. Theproximal end 60 p can also include several fluid outlets 64 formedtherein and spaced around a perimeter thereof for allowing fluid to exitthe shaft 60 and to flow into the surrounding chamber. The fluid outlets64 align with the cutouts in the sleeve 44, though they need not bealigned to permit fluid flow.

The distal end of the fluid delivery shaft 60 can be configured tocouple to the valve assembly, and as shown in FIG. 5C the distal end 60d includes a head 66 formed thereon that is received within a nut 72 ofthe valve assembly 70. The head 66 functions as a sealing ring to form aseal with the nut 72. The head 66 can also function to open a valve bypushing against it, which will be discussed below. An opening 69 isformed in the head 66 for allowing fluid flow into the inner lumen ofthe fluid delivery shaft 60. A stop flange 68 can be located justproximal of the head 66 for functioning as a stop to control aninsertion depth of the head 66 into the nut 72.

The valve assembly has a nut 72, as mentioned above, that is threaded onthe distal portion for threadably mating with a threaded bore in a wallof the fluid-filled housing, i.e., the filter/strainer housing of themeter assembly. A valve seal 74 is received within a distal end of thelock nut 72 and is biased proximally toward the closed position.

In use, the valve assembly is installed into the chamber of afluid-filled housing via threading or some other means of securing theassembly into the chamber. As the anti-expansion device 10′ is attachedto the fluid-filled chamber, the head 66 on the fluid delivery shaft 60is inserted into the lock nut 72 such that the sealing rings on thefluid delivery shaft form a seal with the internal wall of the lock nut.As the cap 20 is threaded into the chamber, the device moves distallyuntil the cap is secure. The stop flange 68 on the fluid delivery shaft60 will abut the lock nut 72. In this position, the head 66 will pushthe valve seal 74 distally, thereby moving the valve seal 74 from theclosed position to an open position. Fluid can thus flow past the valveseal 74 and into the fluid delivery shaft 60, which guides the fluidinto the chamber in a controlled manner. If the cap is removed, thepressure on the valve seal is released, and the seal will close. Thisserves as a safety mechanism to prevent unwanted outflow duringmaintenance operations.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the valve assembly neednot include a lock-nut, specifically. There are any number of variationsthat could be used to secure the valve seal within the chamber, e.g.,the valve could be connected to a plate that is welded or champed to thechamber.

During normal operation, fluid enters through the chamber inlet and thevalve opening, flows into the distal opening of the fluid delivery shaft60, traverses the length of the shaft 60, and exits through the fluidoutlets 64 in the shaft and the cutouts in the sleeve 44. The elongatecut-outs in the sleeve 43 align with the fluid outlets 64 in the fluiddelivery shaft 60 to allow fluid to pass therethrough, regardless of theposition of the piston assembly 40. At that point, the fluid may befiltered, treated, stored, etc., as desired. For example, a filter orstrainer can be disposed within the chamber around the fluid deliveryshaft 60 for filtering the fluid as it flows therethrough. Oncetreatment has been completed, the fluid may be released through anoutlet to be passed through a metering system.

During a freeze event, fluid within the housing will increase thepressure within the chamber. As the pressure increases and eventuallyexceeds the force that maintains the piston in the distal position, itwill force the piston to move proximally into the cuff, therebyexpanding the chamber volume and relieving pressure within the housing.When the frozen fluid begins to thaw, the fluid pressure on the pistonwill decrease, and the biasing element can move the piston distally backto its initial position.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate meter assembly 400 of FIG. 4B having thecompressible ball variant of an anti-fracture expansion device employedtherein. In this embodiment, the metering assembly 400 has a filterchamber 410 that includes three anti-fracture expansion devices 402,404, 406 disposed therein. The first and second expansion devices 402and 404 function solely as expansion devices to relieve pressure withinthe chamber 410. The third expansion device 406 functions to relievepressure within the chamber 410 and also functions as a valve to controlfluid flow through the chamber 410. The third expansion device 406 isdisposed within a distal portion of the fluid-filled chamber 410,whereas the first and second expansion devices 402, 404 are disposedwithin a proximal portion of the fluid-filled chamber 410. The valvecontaining the second expansion device 404 controls fluid flow betweenthe proximal and distal portions of the chamber 410. FIG. 6A and 6B alsoillustrate two additional expansion devices 412, 414 disposed withinother portions of the meter assembly 400, as may be desired. Each of theillustrated expansion devices has a configuration as previouslydiscussed with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B, and the valve seat is included inthe devices that function as a valve.

With reference to the first, second, and third expansion devices 402,404, 406, the illustrated filter chamber 410 includes an outer housing414 that can be separate from or integrally formed as part of themetering assembly 400 as shown, and a cap 416 that is configured to mateto a proximal open end 414 p of the outer housing 414. The cap 416 canhave a variety of configurations, but in general is in the form of ahollow cylindrical housing with a sealed proximal end. The cap 416includes internal threads (not shown) for mating with external threadson the outer housing 411. A cage 418 is disposed within the outerhousing 414 and is configured to seat a filter or strainer therein. Thefilter chamber 410 also includes a sleeve 420 that is received withinthe cage 418 and that retains the anti-fracture expansion devices 402and 404. The sleeve 420 has a proximal end with an opening 421 formedtherein that seats the bearing assembly 422, which in turn is disposedaround a pin 417 formed within the cap 416 to allow free rotation of thecap 416 relative to the sleeve as well as the outer housing 411.

The first and second compressible anti-fracture expansion devices 402,404 are disposed within the sleeve 420, with the second device 404 beingdistal of the first device 402 and resting on a valve seat 424 thatretains the devices 402, 404 within the sleeve 420. When the seconddevice 404 is seated in the valve seat 424, the valve seat 424 will bein a closed configuration to prevent fluid flow therethrough. However,the second device 406 can be configured to move proximally in responseto fluid pressure during normal operating to allow fluid flow throughthe valve seat 424. The valve seat 424 also includes a pin 425, whichwill be discussed below. The distal end of the sleeve 420 has an openingformed therein that receives the valve seat 424. The valve seat 424 inturn is mated to a cylindrical housing 426 having a fluid pathwayextending therethrough. The cylindrical housing 426 mates to an inletchannel 430 formed within a distal end of the outer housing 411, and asecond valve seat 428 is disposed between the cylindrical housing 426and the inlet channel 430 to control fluid flow from the inlet channelinto the filter chamber 410. The distal end of the cylindrical housing426 can have external sealing elements to form a fluid-tight seal withthe internal surface of the valve seat 428.

The third compressible anti-fracture expansion device 406 is disposeddistal of the second valve seat 428 for controlling fluid flow throughthe second valve seat 428. A biasing element, such as a spring 434, canbe positioned distal of the second device 406 for biasing the seconddevice 406 into the valve seat 428, and thus into a closed position.When the cap 416, sleeve 420, and cage 418, along with the componentsdisposed therein, are inserted into the outer housing 411, the pin 425on the first valve seat 424 will extend through the cylindrical housing426 and will contact the third device 406. As the cap 416 is threadedonto the outer housing 411, the assembly moves distally and the pin 425will apply pressure the third compressible device 406. When the cap 416is secured to the outer housing 411, the pin 425 moves the third device406 away from the valve seat 428 thereby maintaining it in an openposition. When the cap 416 and assembly coupled thereto is removed, thepin 425 no longer applies pressure to the third device 406, allowing itto form a seal with the valve seat 428 to thereby prevent fluid fromentering the chamber 410. This serves as a safety mechanism to preventunwanted outflow during maintenance operations.

In use, fluid can flow into the filter chamber 410 from the fluid inlet430, through the second valve seat 428, through the cylindrical housing426, and through the first valve seat 424 where it is released into thechamber 410 to be filtered, strained, or other treated. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the fluid can pass through a fluid exit 432 formed in asidewall of the filter chamber 410 to be delivered to the meter. Duringthis process, the valves will remain open, and the anti-fracture devices402, 404, 406 will compress very little. In the illustrated embodiment,the fourth and fifth compressible members 412, 414 are disposed alongthe fluid flow path between the filter chamber 410 and the meter 436.

During a freeze event, pressure within the chamber will increase as thefluid freezes. As the pressure increases, the devices 402, 404, 406 willcompress thereby expanding the chamber volume and relieving pressurewithin the housing. When the frozen fluid begins to thaw, the fluidpressure on the devices 402, 404, 406 will decrease, and the devices402, 404, 406 can return back to their initial configuration. This samecompression can occur during a freeze event with respect to the fourthand fifth compressible members 412, 414.

FIG. 7 illustrates the nozzle 216 of FIG. 4A having the anti-fractureexpansion device 100 of FIGS. 2A-2B disposed therein. In general, thenozzle 216 is coupled to the distal end of the hose 215 which has afluid channel formed therein for delivering fluid to the nozzle 216. Aconnector 217 is disposed around the distal end of the hose 215 and isconfigured to couple the hose 215 to the nozzle 216 in a fluid-tightmanner so as to prevent fluid from leaking therefrom. As shown in FIG.7, the compressible member 110 of the anti-fracture expansion device 100of FIGS. 2A-2B is disposed within the fluid pathway of the connector217. In use, fluid flows from the hose 215, through the connector 217and into the nozzle 216. In a freeze event when fluid in the connector217 freezes and expands the pressure within the chamber in the connector217, the compressible member 110 can compress to expand the volumewithin the chamber and thereby preventing any damage to the connector217.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at leastone of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list ofelements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of twoor more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitlycontradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intendedto mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any ofthe recited elements or features in combination with any of the otherrecited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one ofA and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intendedto mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similarinterpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items.For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more ofA, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in theclaims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that anunrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems,apparatus, methods, and/or articles depending on the desiredconfiguration. The implementations set forth in the foregoingdescription do not represent all implementations consistent with thesubject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examplesconsistent with aspects related to the described subject matter.Although a few variations have been described in detail above, othermodifications or additions are possible. In particular, further featuresand/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein.For example, the implementations described above can be directed tovarious combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed featuresand/or combinations and subcombinations of several further featuresdisclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in theaccompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily requirethe particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. Other implementations may be within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anti-fracture expansion device, comprising: acap having external threads configured to mate with threads formedwithin a bore in a housing; a cuff disposed within the cap and freelyrotatable relative to the cap; a piston having a proximal end slidablydisposed within the cuff and extending distally from the cuff, thepiston assembly being configured such that, when the cap is threadablymated to a bore in a sealed fluid-filled housing, the piston slidesrelative to the cuff and cap when a pressure within the fluid-filledhousing increases to thereby expand a volume of the fluid-filledchamber.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of thepiston comprises a stabilizing sleeve that is slidably disposed withinthe cuff, the stabilizing sleeve and the cuff defining a chambertherebetween.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the chamber comprises asealed chamber.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein an external surface ofthe stabilizing sleeve is in sealing engagement within an internalsurface of the cuff
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the pistoncomprises a sleeve having at least one opening formed therein forallowing fluid to flow therethrough.
 6. The device of claim 5, whereinthe sleeve is slidably disposed around an elongate shaft having a distalend with at least one fluid inlet port, an inner lumen extendingtherethrough, and a proximal end with at least fluid outlet port that isaligned with the at least one opening formed in the sleeve such thatfluid can flow through the elongate shaft and exit from the proximalend.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a bearing assemblydisposed between the cuff and the cap for allowing rotation of the cuffrelative to the cap.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising aspring that biases the piston away from the cap.
 9. The device of claim1, further comprising a fluid-filled housing having a bore formedtherein and having threads formed within the bore that mate with thethreads on the cap, the piston being disposed within the housing whenthe cap is threadably disposed within the bore.
 10. A dynamicanti-fracture device and valve assembly, comprising: a housing having aninlet, an outlet, and an inner chamber in fluid communication with theinlet and the outlet; an anti-fracture device at least partiallydisposed within the inner chamber and configured to control fluid flowthrough the inlet of the housing and to increase a volume of the innerchamber when a pressure within the inner chamber exceeds a predeterminedthreshold pressure.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the inletincludes a valve seat, and the anti-fracture device comprises aspherical ball valve seated within the valve seat and configured tocontrol fluid flow therethrough, the spherical ball being configured tocompress when a pressure is applied thereto exceeds the predeterminedthreshold pressure.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the inletincludes a check valve, and the anti-fracture device comprises a pistonassembly having an elongate shaft that maintains the check valve in anopen configuration when the anti-fracture device is at least partiallydisposed within the inner chamber.